Seven Timeless Baby Toys
I am sure you have seen, and maybe you even owned, the Baby Einstein musical toy with the caterpillar for a handle. I have seen that toy in almost every home I have been in since 2008. That is a toy that has lasted and been loved for so long! It is one of my favorite baby toys and perhaps one of the only ones with a battery I will recommend. I love toys that can last through all of your children and then some. To me, that is a good purchase and a good product. I am going to talk about some oldies that are still doing great and some new toys that will also stand the test of time. These recommendations are for ages newborn - 12 months.
Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy-I absolutely adore this toy because it's wonderfully simple and manages to capture your child's attention so effectively. It's perfect for waiting at the doctor's office or in any small space where you need to keep your little one entertained. It just has one button that your child will eventually be able to push on their own and there are a couple of fidget beads on the side of the caterpillar handle. This toy is a fantastic addition to your collection and will be enjoyable for generations to come. It's recommended for children aged 3 months and older.
Baby Einstein Octoplush Musical Huggable Stuffed Animal Plush Toy- Okay, I fibbed—there will actually be two items with batteries on the list. I just couldn’t resist including the octoplush! This delightful toy not only teaches colors but also offers three language options. It's suitable for children aged 3 months and up, and its lightweight design makes it easy to take along on trips, whether it's to grandma’s house or anywhere else. I really appreciate toys that allow parents to learn alongside their kids, and this one is perfect for teaching the whole family that “azul” means blue!
Plastic blocks are an excellent choice for soft-sided play, especially compared to wooden ones, which can be tricky for wobbly babies. This set is a perfect starter kit, featuring various animals, textures, and colors on each block. However, I wouldn't recommend using them in the bath, as they tend to develop mold over time. Still, they somehow always seem to end up in the tub! These blocks are suitable for children aged six months and older.
I love the versatility of these soft-sided stuffed blocks. Not only do they serve as rattles and noise makers, but they also allow for the fun of removing the shapes to play with different toys and then piecing them back together. These blocks are fantastic for traveling, as they can easily be a stand-alone play set for a weekend getaway.
Melissa & Doug K's Kids Take-Along Shape Sorter Baby Toy- This soft-sided sorter set is truly amazing for kids from infancy to toddlerhood. It's perfect for on-the-go adventures, and the added zipper feature provides a fun challenge that kids love to explore. I have cherished memories of spending countless hours with this toy. It became my favorite companion whenever I visited the library or the park; I would toss in other toys to use as a handy bag, often covering the openings with a book or something similar. In summary, this is a fantastic product that has demonstrated remarkable durability, standing the test of time for several children across different ages and stages. 9 months and older.
LOVEVERY, Play Gym- This product is pretty new, but I've noticed it in every home I've been to since it came out. Is it overpriced? Absolutely! But honestly, it's fantastic on its own—no need for any other toys. If you're into minimalism and want to keep your toy collection small, this is the one to get. It's a really great product with tons of awesome features and add-ons. It is recommended for ages newborn through twelve months.
That said, any play gym, no matter the price, is a perfect toy for an infant. They don’t need flashy lights or sounds; what matters are mirrors and things that shake when they kick their feet. Also, it’s nice when they come with tummy time pillows, but a standard Boppy pillow works just as well for that.
LOVEVERY, The Looker Play Kit- This is a kit sold through LOVEVERY that goes with their play gym, but it also can work with any play gym. What I love about it the most is the mobile; it is eye-catching and reversible. It can be broken easily, so it is for the smaller groups that can’t grab it yet, but it keeps an infant’s attention, and it’s so simple. The black and white card set is great and a classic. The cardholder that comes with it is wonderful for tummy time or for babies to grab and chew on as they get older while protecting the cards. The mittens are perfect for helping little ones discover their hands. The silicone rattle with the removable ball is a wonderful product; you can take off the ball and wash it easily. Overall, this set works well by itself, especially for minimalist families. Reccomned for newborn through 12 weeks old.
The Jolly Jumper- This has been around for 75 years, and it is easy to see why, but I do not see this used as much as it should be. It can be used as soon as early as 3 months old and when your child can support their own head. It can go on any standard door frame, or it has a stand-alone bar sold separately. It is a great way for your child to be vertical without you holding them, and they love to look around and explore while jumping and wearing themselves out. It can be easily packed and brought over to your playdates or grandparents’ house. The jolly jumper, paired with some music, provides a perfect and efficient playtime experience!
